U.S. patent number 10,443,807 [Application Number 16/378,553] was granted by the patent office on 2019-10-15 for vehicular components having chromium-based reflective coating at least partially permeable to light.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Motherson Innovations Company Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is Motherson Innovations Company Ltd.. Invention is credited to Simon David Field, Andreas Herrmann.
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United States Patent |
10,443,807 |
Herrmann , et al. |
October 15, 2019 |
Vehicular components having chromium-based reflective coating at
least partially permeable to light
Abstract
A lighting module for a vehicular bumper includes at least one
light source and a transparent polymeric portion configured to be
coupled to a vehicular bumper so as to form at least part of the
vehicular bumper. The transparent polymeric portion has a
chromium-based reflective coating coated on an outer surface
thereof configured to be at least partially permeable to light
emitted by the at least one light source. At least one etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating is devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating. With the at least one light
source electrically-connected to a vehicle, light emitted by the at
least one light source is reflected and distributed by at least one
light reflector, substantially within at least one light chamber
and towards the transparent polymeric portion, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
and the at least one etching in the chromium-based reflective
coating.
Inventors: |
Herrmann; Andreas
(Winnenden-Baach, DE), Field; Simon David (Flagstaff
Hill, AU) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Motherson Innovations Company Ltd. |
London |
N/A |
GB |
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Assignee: |
Motherson Innovations Company
Ltd. (London, GB)
|
Family
ID: |
67905324 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/378,553 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190285243 A1 |
Sep 19, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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16378533 |
Apr 8, 2019 |
|
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62642010 |
Mar 13, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q
1/0408 (20130101); F21S 41/285 (20180101); B60Q
1/2619 (20130101); F21S 41/36 (20180101); B60Q
1/34 (20130101); F21S 43/26 (20180101); F21S
43/31 (20180101); B60Q 1/2696 (20130101); B60Q
1/30 (20130101); B60Q 2400/30 (20130101); B60Q
2400/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
1/00 (20060101); B60Q 1/34 (20060101); F21S
43/20 (20180101); B60Q 1/26 (20060101); B60Q
1/30 (20060101); B60Q 1/04 (20060101); F21S
43/31 (20180101); B60Q 11/00 (20060101); B60Q
3/00 (20170101); F21S 41/36 (20180101); F21S
41/20 (20180101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/487,505,509,520-522,538-545 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Han; Jason M
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/378,533, filed Apr. 8, 2019, which claims
the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/642,010, filed Mar. 13, 2018, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
Claims
Having thus described the disclosure, what is claimed is:
1. A lighting module for a vehicular bumper, the lighting module
comprising: at least one light source configured to be
electrically-connected to a vehicle having a vehicular bumper
thereon which includes the lighting module, the at least one light
source further configured to emit light based on at least receiving
electrical power from the vehicle; a transparent polymeric portion
configured to be coupled to the vehicular bumper so as to form at
least part of an outer portion of the vehicular bumper, the
transparent polymeric portion having an inner surface, an outer
surface disposed opposite the inner surface and a chromium-based
reflective coating coated on the outer surface, the chromium-based
reflective coating configured to be at least partially permeable to
light emitted by the at least one light source, and wherein the
transparent polymeric portion further has at least one etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating, the at least one etching
being devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating so as to
expose the outer surface of the transparent polymeric portion
within at least one etched gap defined by the at least one etching;
and at least one light reflector disposed adjacent to the
transparent polymeric portion, wherein at least the at least one
light reflector and the transparent polymeric portion together
define at least one light chamber for containing the at least one
light source at least partially therein; wherein with the at least
one light source electrically-connected to the vehicle, light
emitted by the at least one light source is reflected and
distributed by the at least one light reflector, substantially
within the at least one light chamber and towards the transparent
polymeric portion, so as to simultaneously pass through the
chromium-based reflective coating coated on the outer surface of
the transparent polymeric portion and the at least one etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating.
2. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein as viewed from
an environment surrounding the outer portion of the vehicular
bumper, the light which passes through the at least one etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating illuminates brighter than the
light which passes through the chromium-based reflective coating
coated on the outer surface of the transparent polymeric
portion.
3. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one light source, while unlit and emitting no light, is concealed
behind the chromium-based reflective coating coated on the outer
surface of the transparent polymeric portion.
4. The lighting module according to claim 3, wherein the at least
one light source is disposed away from the at least one etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating such that the at least one
light source, whether unlit and emitting no light or lit and
emitting light, is not directly visible through the at least one
etching in the chromium-based reflective coating.
5. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one light source comprises at least one of an incandescent light
source, a light-emitting diode (LED) light source, or a combination
of incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
6. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one light reflector has a metallic reflecting surface thereon which
is visible through the at least one etching in the chromium-based
reflective coating coated on the outer surface of the transparent
polymeric portion.
7. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein at least a
majority of the transparent polymeric portion extends along a
length of the vehicular bumper in an end-to-end direction of the
vehicular bumper.
8. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein with the at
least one light source electrically-connected to the vehicle, the
light emitted by the at least one light source is at least one of a
first color of light emitted in response to a vehicle daytime
running light function being activated and a second color of light
emitted in response to a vehicle turn signal light function being
activated.
9. The lighting module according to claim 8, wherein the first
color of light is white light or amber light and the second color
of light is amber light.
10. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one etching in the chromium-based reflective coating coated on the
outer surface of the transparent polymeric portion comprises a
first etching disposed within a first boundary area of the
transparent polymeric portion, a second etching disposed within a
second boundary area of the transparent polymeric portion, the
second boundary area disposed adjacent to the first boundary area,
and a third etching disposed within a third boundary area of the
transparent polymeric portion, the third boundary area disposed
adjacent to the second boundary area.
11. The lighting module according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, the at
least one light reflector comprises a plurality of light reflectors
and the at least one light chamber comprises a plurality of light
chambers, and wherein with the plurality of light sources
electrically-connected to the vehicle: (i) light emitted by a first
number of the plurality of light sources is a first color of light
emitted in response to a vehicle turn signal light function being
activated, the first color of light being reflected and distributed
by a first number of the plurality of light reflectors,
substantially within a first number of the plurality of light
chambers and towards the transparent polymeric portion, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
disposed within the first boundary area of the transparent
polymeric portion and the first etching in the chromium-based
reflective coating disposed within the first boundary area, (ii)
light emitted by a second number of the plurality of light sources
is a second color of light emitted in response to a vehicle daytime
running light function being activated, the second color of light
being reflected and distributed by a second number of the plurality
of light reflectors, substantially within a second number of the
plurality of light chambers and towards the transparent polymeric
portion, so as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based
reflective coating disposed within the second boundary area of the
transparent polymeric portion and the second etching in the
chromium-based reflective coating disposed within the second
boundary area, and (iii) light emitted by a third number of the
plurality of light sources is a third color of light emitted in
response to another vehicle turn signal light function being
activated, the third color of light being reflected and distributed
by a third number of the plurality of light reflectors,
substantially within a third number of the plurality of light
chambers and towards the transparent polymeric portion, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
disposed within the third boundary area of the transparent
polymeric portion and the third etching in the chromium-based
reflective coating disposed within the third boundary area.
12. The lighting module according to claim 11, wherein the first
color of light is amber light, the second color of light is white
light or amber light and the third color of light is amber
light.
13. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one etching in the chromium-based reflective coating coated on the
outer surface of the transparent polymeric portion comprises a
first etching disposed within a first subdivided area of a first
boundary area of the transparent polymeric portion, the first
etching further disposed within a second boundary area of the
transparent polymeric portion, the second boundary area disposed
adjacent to the first boundary area, the first etching further
disposed within a first subdivided area of a third boundary area of
the transparent polymeric portion, the third boundary area disposed
adjacent to the second boundary area, and wherein the at least one
etching in the chromium-based reflective coating further comprises
a second etching disposed within a second subdivided area of the
first boundary area and a third etching disposed within a second
subdivided area of the third boundary area.
14. The lighting module according to claim 13, wherein the at least
one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, the at
least one light reflector comprises a plurality of light reflectors
and the at least one light chamber comprises a plurality of light
chambers, and wherein with the plurality of light sources
electrically-connected to the vehicle: (i) light emitted by a first
number of the plurality of light sources is a first color of light
emitted in response to a vehicle daytime running light function
being activated, the first color of light being reflected and
distributed by a first number of the plurality of light reflectors,
substantially within a first number of the plurality of light
chambers and towards the transparent polymeric portion, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
disposed within the first subdivided area of the first boundary
area of the transparent polymeric portion, the chromium-based
reflective coating disposed within the second boundary area of the
transparent polymeric portion, the chromium-based reflective
coating disposed within the first subdivided area of the third
boundary area of the transparent polymeric portion, and the first
etching in the chromium-based reflective coating disposed within
the first subdivided area of the first boundary area, the second
boundary area and the first subdivided area of the third boundary
area, (ii) light emitted by a second number of the plurality of
light sources is a second color of light emitted in response to a
vehicle turn signal light function being activated, the second
color of light being reflected and distributed by a second number
of the plurality of light reflectors, substantially within a second
number of the plurality of light chambers and towards the
transparent polymeric portion, so as to simultaneously pass through
the chromium-based reflective coating disposed within the second
subdivided area of the first boundary area of the transparent
polymeric portion and the second etching in the chromium-based
reflective coating disposed within the second subdivided area of
the first boundary area, and (iii) light emitted by a third number
of the plurality of light sources is a third color of light emitted
in response to another vehicle turn signal light function being
activated, the third color of light being reflected and distributed
by a third number of the plurality of light reflectors,
substantially within a third number of the plurality of light
chambers and towards the transparent polymeric portion, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
disposed within the second subdivided area of the third boundary
area of the transparent polymeric portion and the third etching in
the chromium-based reflective coating disposed within the second
subdivided area of the third boundary area.
15. The lighting module according to claim 14, wherein the first
color of light is amber light or white light, the second color of
light is amber light and the third color of light is amber
light.
16. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
transparent polymeric portion is formed from a material selected
from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonate,
epoxy, phenolic, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylates, acetal and blends thereof.
17. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
transparent polymeric portion is formed from a material selected
from the group consisting of polycarbonate,
poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, poly diethylene glycol
bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene and
blends thereof.
18. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
transparent polymeric portion includes a pre-coated film in the
form of a hardcoat, a silicon hardcoat, an inorganic oxide, a thin
metal film, or a combination of these pre-coated films.
19. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
chromium-based reflective coating is an alloy of chromium and a
dopant material, the dopant material being selected from a group of
hexagonally close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a
crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase in
coexistence with a secondary omega hexagonally close-packed
phase.
20. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein the alloy is
a binary alloy of the chromium and the dopant material.
21. The lighting module according to claim 20, wherein an atomic
percentage of the dopant material in the binary alloy ranges from
about 1.9 at. % to about 5.8 at. %.
22. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein the group of
hexagonally close-packed transition metals includes at least one of
zirconium, titanium, cobalt, hafnium, rubidium, yttrium and
osmium.
23. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein the alloy is
a binary alloy and the dopant material is zirconium, and wherein an
atomic percentage of the zirconium in the binary alloy ranges from
about 4.5 at. % to about 5.8 at. %.
24. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein the alloy is
a binary alloy and the dopant material is titanium, and wherein an
atomic percentage of the titanium in the binary alloy ranges from
about 1.9 at. % to about 5.8 at. %.
25. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein the alloy is
a binary alloy and the dopant material is cobalt, and wherein an
atomic percentage of the cobalt in the binary alloy ranges from
about 1.9 at. % to 5.7 at. %.
26. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
chromium-based reflective coating has a thickness of 200 nm or
less.
27. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the
chromium-based reflective coating has a thickness of 200 nm, 100
nm, from 40 nm to 80 nm, from 50 nm to 70 nm, or about 60 nm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to vehicular lighting and,
more particularly, to vehicular components including at least one
light source, the vehicular components having a chromium-based
reflective coating coated thereon which is at least partially
permeable to at least some light emitted by the at least one light
source.
BACKGROUND
Vehicles, such as passenger cars, vans and trucks, often include
various interior and exterior vehicular lighting components capable
of emitting light for various purposes. Additionally, such
aforementioned vehicles often include various interior and exterior
vehicular components having a metallic reflective coating coated
thereon exhibiting a chrome or mirror-like surface finish.
As vehicle manufacturers continue to seek ways to enhance overall
vehicle lighting functionality and vehicle design, it is often
challenging to aesthetically harmonize and/or merge the appearance
of various vehicular lighting components with other surrounding
vehicular components mounted to a vehicle, such as the
aforementioned vehicular components having a metallic reflective
coating coated thereon exhibiting a chrome or mirror-like surface
finish. For example, due to at least respective differences in
exterior geometries, materials, exterior surface finishes,
packaging and other factors, it is often challenging to
aesthetically harmonize and/or merge the appearance of various
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal lights, daytime running lights,
reverse lights and other vehicular lighting components with other
surrounding vehicular components mounted to a vehicle, such as
exterior trim pieces, grills, bumpers and other vehicular
components having a metallic reflective coating coated thereon
exhibiting a chrome or mirror-like surface finish.
Additionally, reducing the overall number of visible vehicular
lighting components mounted to a vehicle, such as on bumpers or
other vehicular components, may be desired by some vehicle
manufacturers to provide the vehicle with a sleeker, more elegant
appearance. However, reducing the overall number of visible
vehicular lighting components mounted to a vehicle is often
challenging because various vehicular lighting components may need
to remain in order to satisfy various lighting and/or safety
regulations for various jurisdictions where the vehicle is to be
driven.
With at least the aforementioned challenges and limitations in
mind, there is a continuing unaddressed need for vehicular
components, particularly vehicular lighting components, which are
capable of emitting sufficient amounts of light to effectively
perform their intended purpose, yet are capable of having an
appearance which aesthetically harmonizes and/or merges with other
surrounding vehicular components mounted to a vehicle, particularly
vehicular components which have a metallic reflective coating
coated thereon exhibiting a chrome or mirror-like surface
finish.
Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for vehicular
components, particularly vehicular lighting components, which are
capable of emitting sufficient amounts of light to effectively
perform their intended purpose, yet are capable of being
substantially concealed, especially while unlit and emitting no
light, to provide a vehicle with a sleeker, more elegant
appearance.
SUMMARY
At least the above-identified needs are met with the present
disclosure. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a
lamp assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The lamp
assembly includes a housing configured to be coupled to a vehicle
to mount the lamp assembly to the vehicle. Additionally, the lamp
assembly includes at least one light source disposed at least
partially within an interior of the housing. The at least one light
source is configured to be electrically-connected to the vehicle
and emit light based on at least receiving electrical power from
the vehicle. Additionally, the lamp assembly includes a transparent
polymeric lens coupled to the housing so as to substantially
enclose the interior of the housing and the at least one light
source. The transparent polymeric lens has an inner surface, an
outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface and a
chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least a first area
of the outer surface. With the at least one light source
electrically-connected to the vehicle, the chromium-based
reflective coating is at least partially permeable to at least some
light which is emitted by the at least one light source and passed
through the transparent polymeric lens. Furthermore, at least a
second area of the outer surface of the transparent polymeric lens
is devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a lighting
module for a vehicular bumper. The lighting module includes at
least one light source. The at least one light source is configured
to be electrically-connected to a vehicle having a vehicular bumper
thereon which includes the lighting module. The at least one light
source is further configured to emit light based on at least
receiving electrical power from the vehicle. Additionally, the
lighting module includes a transparent polymeric portion configured
to be coupled to the vehicular bumper so as to form at least part
of an outer portion of the vehicular bumper. The transparent
polymeric portion has an inner surface, an outer surface disposed
opposite the inner surface and a chromium-based reflective coating
coated on the outer surface. The chromium-based reflective coating
is configured to be at least partially permeable to light emitted
by the at least one light source. The transparent polymeric portion
further has at least one etching in the chromium-based reflective
coating which is devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating so
as to expose the outer surface of the transparent polymeric portion
within at least one etched gap defined by the at least one etching.
Additionally, the lighting module includes at least one light
reflector disposed adjacent to the transparent polymeric portion.
At least the at least one light reflector and the transparent
polymeric portion together define at least one light chamber for
containing the at least one light source at least partially
therein. With the at least one light source electrically-connected
to the vehicle, light emitted by the at least one light source is
reflected and distributed by the at least one light reflector,
substantially within the at least one light chamber and towards the
transparent polymeric portion, so as to simultaneously pass through
the chromium-based reflective coating coated on the outer surface
of the transparent polymeric portion and the at least one etching
in the chromium-based reflective coating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are
pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However,
other features of the one or more embodiments will become more
apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle,
illustrating an exemplary headlamp assembly mounted to the vehicle,
the headlamp assembly including a transparent polymeric lens shown
with a chromium-based reflective coating removed from an outer
surface of the transparent polymeric lens to better illustrate
various light sources of the headlamp assembly;
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a front portion of the
vehicle shown in FIG. 1, further illustrating a front perspective
view of the headlamp assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B is the front perspective view of the headlamp assembly
shown in FIG. 2A, further illustrating a chromium-based reflective
coating coated on at least a first area of the outer surface of the
transparent polymeric lens of the headlamp assembly;
FIG. 2C is the front perspective view of the headlamp assembly
shown in FIG. 2B, further illustrating some of the various light
sources of the headlamp assembly emitting light through the
chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least the first area
of the outer surface of the transparent polymeric lens of the
headlamp assembly;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of another exemplary vehicle, illustrating an
exemplary tail lamp assembly mounted to the vehicle, the tail lamp
assembly including a transparent polymeric lens shown with a
chromium-based reflective coating removed from an outer surface of
the transparent polymeric lens to better illustrate various light
sources of the tail lamp assembly;
FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle
shown in FIG. 3, further illustrating a rear perspective view of
the tail lamp assembly shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 4B is the rear perspective view of the tail lamp assembly
shown in FIG. 4A, further illustrating a chromium-based reflective
coating coated on at least a first area of the outer surface of the
transparent polymeric lens of the tail lamp assembly;
FIG. 4C is the rear perspective view of the tail lamp assembly
shown in FIG. 4B, further illustrating some of the various light
sources of the tail lamp assembly emitting light through the
chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least the first area
of the outer surface of the transparent polymeric lens of the tail
lamp assembly;
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of an
exemplary vehicular bumper having an exemplary lighting module
included thereon;
FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram further illustrating an enlarged
sectional end view of the vehicular bumper shown in FIG. 5A having
the lighting module included thereon;
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of another
exemplary vehicular bumper having another exemplary lighting module
included thereon; and
FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram further illustrating an enlarged
sectional end view of the vehicular bumper shown in FIG. 6A having
the lighting module included thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As required, one or more detailed embodiments of the present
disclosure are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood
that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms.
The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be
exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.
Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present disclosure. Additionally, various
terms and/or phrases describing or indicating a position or
directional reference such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear",
"forward", "rearward", "end", etc. may relate to one or more
particular components as seen generally from a user's vantage point
during use or operation, and/or as positioned relative to a
forward/rearward, front-to-back or side-to-side direction of a
vehicle, and such terms and/or phrases are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a representative basis for describing the
disclosure to one skilled in the art.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4C, exemplary lamp assemblies 100,
300 according to the present disclosure are shown and described.
The lamp assemblies 100, 300 are each configured to be mounted to a
vehicle. As non-limiting examples, such vehicles which may employ
the lamp assemblies 100, 300 may include various motor vehicles
(e.g. passenger cars, vans, trucks and heavy machinery) and any
other vehicles capable of transporting drivers (operators) and/or
passengers therein.
FIGS. 1-2C provide multiple views collectively illustrating the
exemplary headlamp assembly 100 which is mountable to an exemplary
vehicle 200 at a front portion 202 of the vehicle 200. The vehicle
200 may be any kind of vehicle which may employ the headlamp
assembly 100, and is not limited to the example as shown herein.
The headlamp assembly 100 may be shaped and/or sized in any
suitable manner, and is not limited to the example as shown and
described herein. The headlamp assembly 100 includes a housing 102
which may have one or more vehicle-attachment features thereon (not
shown) to facilitate coupling the housing 102 to the vehicle 200 to
mount the headlamp assembly 100 to the front portion 202 of the
vehicle 200. As non-limiting examples, the housing 102 may be made
from at least one of a metal material (e.g. by a stamping process),
a plastic material (e.g. by a thermoforming or injection molding
process), or any other suitable material. Furthermore, as
non-limiting examples, the one or more vehicle-attachment features
on the housing 102 may include one or more of locking tabs,
threaded or non-threaded fasteners, clips or other suitable
vehicle-attachment features, as may be understood by one of
ordinary skill.
As will be further described herein, the headlamp assembly 100
further includes at least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110
disposed at least partially within an interior of the housing 102,
as shown in FIGS. 1-2C. The at least one light source 104, 106,
108, 110 may be any suitable type of light source. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110 may
comprise at least one of an incandescent light source, a
light-emitting diode (LED) light source, or a combination of
incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The at
least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110 may be
electrically-connected to the vehicle 200 and is configured to emit
light based on at least receiving electrical power from the vehicle
200, such as from an electrical power source (e.g. vehicle
electrical system, battery, etc.) on the vehicle 200. As
non-limiting examples, the at least one light source 104, 106, 108,
110 may be electrically-connected to the vehicle 200 by way of one
or more wiring harnesses or other suitable electrical connectors
(not shown), as may be understood by one of ordinary skill.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2C, the headlamp assembly 100 further includes
a transparent polymeric lens 112 coupled to the housing 102 so as
to substantially enclose the interior of the housing 102 and the at
least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110. As such, the interior of
the housing 102 and the at least one light source 104, 106, 108,
110 may be substantially sealed and protected from an outside
environment surrounding the vehicle 200. The transparent polymeric
lens 112 has an inner surface 114, an outer surface 116 disposed
opposite the inner surface 114 and a chromium-based reflective
coating 118 coated on at least a first area 120 of the outer
surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens 112. As shown in
FIGS. 1-2C, at least a second area 122 of the outer surface 116 of
the transparent polymeric lens 112, which may constitute a majority
of the outer surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens 112, may
be entirely devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating 118. At
least the second area 122 of the outer surface 116 of the
transparent polymeric lens 112 being entirely devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 118 may be advantageous in order
for the headlamp assembly 100 to still effectively carry out
certain functions or purposes during operation, as will be further
described herein. Furthermore, as will be further described herein,
with the at least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110
electrically-connected to the vehicle 200, the chromium-based
reflective coating 118 is at least partially permeable to at least
some light which is emitted by the at least one light source 104,
106, 108, 110 (e.g. light sources 104, 106 in this example), as
shown in FIG. 2C. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-2C, one or more
internal light reflectors (e.g. foils or other metallic light
reflectors) and/or internal transparent polymeric lenses (e.g.
clear and/or colored plastic lenses) may be disposed within the
housing 102 of the headlamp assembly 100 behind the transparent
polymeric lens 112 to facilitate homogenizing, reflecting and
guiding the light emitted by the at least one light source 104,
106, 108, 110 in an outwardly direction to pass through the
transparent polymeric lens 112 and, depending on the particular
light source or light sources emitting the light, the
chromium-based reflective coating 118 coated on at least the first
area 120 of the outer surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens
112.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 2A-2C, the at least one light source
104, 106, 108, 110 may comprise a plurality of light sources 104,
106, 108, 110. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a first number (e.g.
light sources 104, 106 in this example) of the plurality of light
sources 104, 106, 108, 110, while unlit and emitting no light, is
advantageously concealed behind the chromium-based reflective
coating 118 coated on at least the first area 120 of the outer
surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens 112. Furthermore, a
second number (e.g. light sources 108, 110 in this example) of the
plurality of light sources 104, 106, 108, 110, whether lit and
emitting light or unlit and emitting no light, is advantageously
visible through the transparent polymeric lens 112 by way of at
least the second area 122 of the outer surface 116 of the
transparent polymeric lens 112 which is devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 118. As non-limiting examples,
the first number of the plurality of light sources 104, 106, 108,
110 may comprise at least one of a daytime running light unit 104
(e.g. capable of emitting white colored light to meet regulations
in certain jurisdictions) and a vehicle turn signal light unit 106
(e.g. capable of emitting amber colored light to meet regulations
in certain jurisdictions). Furthermore, as non-limiting examples,
the second number of the plurality of light sources 104, 106, 108,
110 may comprise at least one of a high-beam light unit 108 and a
low-beam light unit 110 (e.g. xenon, halogen or light-emitting
diode (LED) light units). It is to be appreciated that the second
area 122 of the outer surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens
112 which is devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating 118
advantageously defines and provides a sufficiently-sized, higher
transparency area of the transparent polymeric lens 112 to permit
high or low light beams to effectively project therethrough and
safely out in front of the vehicle 200 during vehicle
operation.
As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, with the headlamp assembly 100 mounted to
the front portion 202 of the vehicle 200, the chromium-based
reflective coating 118 coated on at least the first area 120 of the
outer surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens 112 is
positioned to aesthetically correspond to, and advantageously
appear substantially merged with, a metallic reflective coating
204, or the like (e.g. exhibiting a decorative chrome or
mirror-like surface finish), coated on at least a portion of at
least one vehicular component 206 mounted to the vehicle 200
immediately adjacent to the headlamp assembly 100. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one vehicular component 206 mounted to the
vehicle 200 immediately adjacent to the headlamp assembly 100 is
selected from the group consisting of an exterior trim piece, a
front exterior trim piece, a front grill, a front bumper and a
headlamp bezel. As may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, the
chromium-based reflective coating 118 coated on at least the first
area 120 of the outer surface 116 of the transparent polymeric lens
112 is capable of exhibiting a decorative chrome or mirror-like
surface finish, which may be aesthetically matched or substantially
aesthetically matched in appearance to the metallic reflective
coating 204, or the like, coated on at least the portion of the at
least one vehicular component 206 mounted to the vehicle 200
immediately adjacent to the headlamp assembly 100. In this regard,
it is highly ideal and advantageous that the chromium-based
reflective coating 118 be coated on the outer surface 116 of the
transparent polymeric lens 112 (e.g. the outermost surface of the
transparent polymeric lens 112 which is touchable by a person with
the headlamp assembly 100 mounted to the vehicle 200), such as, in
this example, on at least the first area 120 of the outer surface
116 of the transparent polymeric lens 112. In other words, the
chromium-based reflective coating 118 being coated on a different
surface, such as on the inner surface 114 of the transparent
polymeric lens 112, may not be capable of exhibiting, at an
acceptable or desirable level, a decorative chrome or mirror-like
surface finish which is aesthetically matched or substantially
aesthetically matched in appearance to the metallic reflective
coating 204, or the like, coated on at least the portion of the at
least one vehicular component 206 mounted to the vehicle 200
immediately adjacent to the headlamp assembly 100. As such, due to
at least its composition of materials (as will be further described
herein in more detail) and being coated on the transparent
polymeric lens 112 (e.g. a transparent substrate), the
chromium-based reflective coating 118 is at least (i)
advantageously capable of passing a sufficient amount of light
therethrough emitted by the at least one light source 104, 106,
108, 110 (e.g. the vehicle daytime running light unit 104 and the
vehicle turn signal light unit 106 in this example) to permit the
at least one light source 104, 106, 108, 110 (e.g. the vehicle
daytime running light unit 104 and the vehicle turn signal light
unit 106 in this example) to effectively perform its intended
purpose, and (ii) capable of providing the headlamp assembly 100 an
appearance (e.g. decorative appearance) which aesthetically
harmonizes and/or substantially merges with the appearance (e.g.
decorative appearance) of the at least one vehicular component 206
mounted to the vehicle 200 immediately adjacent to the headlamp
assembly 100.
FIGS. 3-4C provide multiple views collectively illustrating the
exemplary tail lamp assembly 300 which is mountable to an exemplary
vehicle 400 at a rear portion 402 of the vehicle 400. The vehicle
400 may be any kind of vehicle which may employ the tail lamp
assembly 300, and is not limited to the example as shown and
described herein. The tail lamp assembly 300 may be shaped and/or
sized in any suitable manner, and is not limited to the example as
shown herein. Additionally, the tail lamp assembly 300 may be a
one-piece assembly or a divided multi-piece assembly (as shown in
this example), depending on such factors as a mounting location of
the tail lamp assembly 300 relative to a rear hatch, a rear trunk
lid or a rear door of the vehicle 400. The tail lamp assembly 300
includes a housing 302 which may have one or more
vehicle-attachment features thereon (not shown) to facilitate
coupling the housing 302 to the vehicle 400 to mount the tail lamp
assembly 300 to the rear portion 402 of the vehicle 400. As
non-limiting examples, the housing 302 may be made from at least
one of a metal material (e.g. by a stamping process), a plastic
material (e.g. by a thermoforming or injection molding process), or
any other suitable material. Furthermore, as non-limiting examples,
the one or more vehicle-attachment features on the housing 302 may
include one or more of locking tabs, threaded or non-threaded
fasteners, clips and other suitable vehicle-attachment features, as
may be understood by one of ordinary skill.
As will be further described herein, the tail lamp assembly 300
further includes at least one light source 304, 305, 306, 307
disposed at least partially within an interior of the housing 302,
as shown in FIGS. 3-4C. The at least one light source 304, 305,
306, 307 may be any suitable type of light source. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one light source 304, 305, 306, 307 may
comprise at least one of an incandescent light source, a
light-emitting diode (LED) light source, or a combination of
incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The at
least one light source 304, 305, 306, 307 may be
electrically-connected to the vehicle 400 and is configured to emit
light based on at least receiving electrical power from the vehicle
400, such as from an electrical power source (e.g. vehicle
electrical system, battery, etc.) on the vehicle 400. As
non-limiting examples, the at least one light source 304, 305, 306,
307 may be electrically-connected to the vehicle 400 by way of one
or more wiring harnesses or other suitable electrical connectors
(not shown), as may be understood by one of ordinary skill.
As shown in FIGS. 3-4C, the tail lamp assembly 300 further includes
a transparent polymeric lens 308 coupled to the housing 302 so as
to substantially enclose the interior of the housing 302 and the at
least one light source 304, 305, 306, 307. As such, the interior of
the housing 302 and the at least one light source 304, 305, 306,
307 may be substantially sealed and protected from an outside
environment surrounding the vehicle 400. The transparent polymeric
lens 308 has an inner surface 310, an outer surface 312 disposed
opposite the inner surface 310 and a chromium-based reflective
coating 314 coated on at least a first area 316 of the outer
surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens 308. As shown in
FIGS. 3-4C, at least a second area 318 of the outer surface 312 of
the transparent polymeric lens 308, which may constitute a majority
of the outer surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens 308, may
be entirely devoid of the chromium-based reflective coating 314. At
least the second area 318 of the outer surface 312 of the
transparent polymeric lens 308 being entirely devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 314 may be advantageous in order
for the tail lamp assembly 300 to still effectively carry out
certain functions or purposes during operation, as will be further
described herein. Furthermore, as will be further described herein,
with the at least one light source 304, 305, 306, 307
electrically-connected to the vehicle 400, the chromium-based
reflective coating 314 is at least partially permeable to at least
some light which is emitted by the at least one light source 304,
305, 306, 307 (e.g. light sources 304, 305 in this example), as
shown in FIG. 4C. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 3-4C, one or more
internal light reflectors (e.g. foils or other metallic light
reflectors) and/or internal transparent polymeric lenses (e.g.
clear and/or colored plastic lenses) may be disposed within the
housing 302 of the tail lamp assembly 300 behind the transparent
polymeric lens 308 to facilitate homogenizing, reflecting and
guiding the light emitted by the at least one light source 304,
305, 306, 307 in an outwardly direction to pass through the
transparent polymeric lens 308 and, depending on the particular
light source or light sources emitting the light, the
chromium-based reflective coating 314 coated on at least the first
area 316 of the outer surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens
308.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 4A-4C, the at least one light source
304, 305, 306, 307 may comprise a plurality of light sources 304,
305, 306, 307. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, a first number (e.g.
light sources 304, 305 in this example) of the plurality of light
sources 304, 305, 306, 307, while unlit and emitting no light, is
advantageously concealed behind the chromium-based reflective
coating 314 coated on at least the first area 316 of the outer
surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens 308. Furthermore, a
second number (e.g. light sources 306, 307 in this example) of the
plurality of light sources 304, 305, 306, 307, whether lit and
emitting light or unlit and emitting no light, is advantageously
visible through the transparent polymeric lens 308 by way of at
least the second area 318 of the outer surface 312 of the
transparent polymeric lens 308 which is devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 314. As non-limiting examples,
the first number of the plurality of light sources 304, 305, 306,
307 may comprise at least one of a vehicle reverse light unit 304
(e.g. capable of emitting white colored light to meet regulations
in certain jurisdictions) and a vehicle turn signal light unit 305
(e.g. capable of emitting amber colored light to meet regulations
in certain jurisdictions). Furthermore, as non-limiting examples,
the second number of the plurality of light sources 304, 305, 306,
307 may comprise at least one vehicle tail and stop light unit 306,
307 (e.g. which may ultimately emit red colored light through a red
colored lens of the tail lamp assembly 300, the red colored lens
substantially defining the second area 318 of the outer surface 312
of the transparent polymeric lens 308 which is devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 314, in this example). It is to
be appreciated that the second area 318 of the outer surface 312 of
the transparent polymeric lens 308 which is devoid of the
chromium-based reflective coating 314 advantageously defines and
provides a sufficiently-sized, higher transparency area of the
transparent polymeric lens 308 to permit a sufficiently large,
visible amount of tail lamp lighting (e.g. emitted by the at least
one tail and stop light unit 306, 307 in this example) to
effectively project therethrough and out rearwardly of the vehicle
400 during vehicle operation.
As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, with the tail lamp assembly 300 mounted to
the rear portion 402 of the vehicle 400, the chromium-based
reflective coating 314 coated on at least the first area 316 of the
outer surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens 308 is
positioned to aesthetically correspond to, and advantageously
appear substantially merged with, a metallic reflective coating
404, or the like (e.g. exhibiting a decorative chrome or
mirror-like surface finish), coated on at least a portion of at
least one vehicular component 406 mounted to the vehicle 400
immediately adjacent to the tail lamp assembly 300. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one vehicular component 406 mounted to the
vehicle 400 immediately adjacent to the tail lamp assembly 300 is
selected from the group consisting of an exterior trim piece, a
rear exterior trim piece, a rear bumper and a tail lamp bezel. As
may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, the chromium-based
reflective coating 314 coated on at least the first area 316 of the
outer surface 312 of the transparent polymeric lens 308 is capable
of exhibiting a decorative chrome or mirror-like surface finish,
which may be aesthetically matched or substantially aesthetically
matched in appearance to the metallic reflective coating 404, or
the like, coated on at least the portion of the at least one
vehicular component 406 mounted to the vehicle 400 immediately
adjacent to the tail lamp assembly 300. In this regard, it is
highly ideal and advantageous that the chromium-based reflective
coating 314 be coated on the outer surface 312 of the transparent
polymeric lens 308 (e.g. the outermost surface of the transparent
polymeric lens 308 which is touchable by a person with the tail
lamp assembly 300 mounted to the vehicle 400), such as, in this
example, on at least the first area 316 of the outer surface 312 of
the transparent polymeric lens 308. In other words, the
chromium-based reflective coating 314 being coated on a different
surface, such as on the inner surface 310 of the transparent
polymeric lens 308, may not be capable of exhibiting, at an
acceptable or desirable level, a decorative chrome or mirror-like
surface finish which is aesthetically matched or substantially
aesthetically matched in appearance to the metallic reflective
coating 404, or the like, coated on at least the portion of the at
least one vehicular component 406 mounted to the vehicle 400
immediately adjacent to the tail lamp assembly 300. As such, due to
at least its composition of materials (as will be further described
herein in more detail) and being coated on the transparent
polymeric lens 308 (e.g. a transparent substrate), the
chromium-based reflective coating 314 is at least (i)
advantageously capable of passing a sufficient amount of light
therethrough emitted by the at least one light source 304, 305,
306, 307 (e.g. the vehicle reverse light unit 304 and the vehicle
turn signal light unit 305 in this example) to permit the at least
one light source 304, 305, 306, 307 (e.g. the vehicle reverse light
unit 304 and the vehicle turn signal light unit 305 in this
example) to effectively perform its intended purpose, and (ii)
capable of providing the tail lamp assembly 300 an appearance (e.g.
decorative appearance) which aesthetically harmonizes and/or
substantially merges with the appearance (e.g. decorative
appearance) of the at least one vehicular component 406 mounted to
the vehicle 400 immediately adjacent to the tail lamp assembly
300.
Referring generally to FIGS. 5A-6B, two exemplary lighting modules
500, 700 for respective exemplary vehicular bumpers 600, 800 (which
may each be a vehicular front bumper, but is not limited thereto)
according to the present disclosure are schematically shown and
described. As non-limiting examples, such vehicles having a
vehicular bumper thereon (e.g. at least one of the vehicular
bumpers 600, 800) which includes at least one of the lighting
modules 500, 700 may include various motor vehicles (e.g. passenger
cars, vans, trucks and heavy machinery) and any other vehicles
capable of transporting drivers (operators) and/or passengers
therein.
As shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, multiple schematic views collectively
illustrating the two exemplary lighting modules 500, 700 for the
respective exemplary vehicular bumpers 600, 800 are provided. The
vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may be shaped and/or sized in any
suitable manner and are not limited to the examples as
schematically shown and described herein. As non-limiting examples,
the vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may be made from at least one of a
metal material (e.g. by a stamping process), a plastic material
(e.g. by a thermoforming or injection molding process), or any
other suitable material or combination of suitable materials (e.g.
metal materials, plastic materials, composite materials,
energy/impact-absorbing materials, etc.). Additionally, as may be
understood by one of ordinary skill, the vehicular bumpers 600, 800
may include various vehicle-attachment features thereon (e.g.
clips, bolts and/or other suitable fasteners) to facilitate
coupling either of the vehicular bumpers 600, 800 to a vehicle (not
shown). The lighting modules 500, 700 each include at least one
light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706,
708 may comprise at least one of an incandescent light source, a
light-emitting diode (LED) light source, or a combination of
incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The at
least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 may be
electrically-connected to the vehicle (not shown) which has at
least one of the vehicular bumpers 600, 800 thereon which includes
the respective lighting module 500, 700. The at least one light
source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 may be electrically-connected
to the vehicle by way of one or more wiring harnesses or other
suitable electrical connectors (not shown), as may be understood by
one of ordinary skill. As will be further described herein, the at
least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 is configured
to emit light based on at least receiving electrical power from the
vehicle, such as from an electrical power source (e.g. vehicle
electrical system, battery, etc.) on the vehicle, as may be
understood by one of ordinary skill.
As shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, each of the lighting modules 500, 700 for
the respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800 further include a
transparent polymeric portion 506, 710 configured to be coupled to
the respective vehicular bumper 600, 800 so as to form at least
part of an outer portion 602, 802 of the respective vehicular
bumper 600, 800. As non-limiting examples, each of the transparent
polymeric portions 506, 710 may be coupled to the respective
vehicular bumpers 600, 800 by employing at least one of suitable
fasteners, one or more adhesives, or a manufacturing process (e.g.
ultrasonic welding, multi-shot injection molding, etc.), as may be
understood by one of ordinary skill. In any case, when coupled to
the respective vehicular bumper 600, 800, each of the transparent
polymeric portions 506, 710 ultimately form at least part of the
outer portion 602, 802 of the respective vehicular bumper 600, 800,
as previously described herein. As shown particularly in FIGS. 5B
and 6B, the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710, which will be
further described herein, each have an inner surface 508, 712, an
outer surface 510, 714 disposed opposite the inner surface 508, 712
and a chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the
outer surface 510, 714. As will also be further described herein,
the chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 is configured to be
at least partially permeable to light emitted by the at least one
light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 of the respective
lighting modules 500, 700. Each of the transparent polymeric
portions 506, 710 further have at least one etching 514, 516, 518;
718, 720, 722 in the respective chromium-based reflective coating
512, 716. The at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 is
devoid of the respective chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716
so as to expose the outer surface 510, 714 of the respective
transparent polymeric portion 506, 710 within at least one etched
gap 520; 724, 726 defined by the at least one etching 514, 516,
518; 718, 720, 722, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B. As non-limiting
examples, the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in
the respective chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 may be
produced by a manufacturing process such as laser etching or laser
engraving. Furthermore, the at least one etching 514, 516, 518;
718, 720, 722 in the respective chromium-based reflective coating
512, 716 may be shaped and/or sized so as to form various graphics,
patterns, shaped outlines, indicia, or other desired etchings. As
such, the shape and/or size of the at least one etching 514, 516,
518; 718, 720, 722 in the respective chromium-based reflective
coating 512, 716 is not limited to the examples as schematically
shown and described herein, and may be of any desired shape and/or
size. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, as a non-limiting
example, at least a majority of each of the transparent polymeric
portions 506, 710 may be elongated so as to extend along a length
of the respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800 in an end-to-end
direction L1, L2 of the respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800. In
this manner, the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710 may each
form or exhibit a shape of a continuously-extending strip having a
chrome or mirror-like decorative appearance (e.g. provided from the
respective chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 coated
thereon), which may blend in with, or be distinct from other
metallic reflective coatings coated on other surrounding vehicular
components and/or other portions of the respective vehicular
bumpers 600, 800. In any case, as may be understood by one of
ordinary skill, the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710 may
each be shaped, sized and/or divided in any desired manner, and are
not limited to the examples schematically shown and described
herein.
Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, each of the lighting modules 500, 700
for the respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800 further include at
least one light reflector 522; 728, 732 which may be disposed
within an interior area 604, 804 of the respective vehicular bumper
600, 800 and adjacent to the inner surface 508, 712 of the
respective transparent polymeric portion 506, 710 of each
respective lighting module 500, 700. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B,
at least the at least one light reflector 522; 728, 732 and the
respective transparent polymeric portion 506, 710 together define
at least one light chamber 526; 736, 738 for containing the at
least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 at least
partially therein. The at least one light reflector 522; 728, 732
has a metallic reflecting surface 524; 730, 734 (e.g. a chrome or
mirror-like surface finish capable of reflecting and distributing
emitted light) thereon which is configured to be visible through
the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the respective
outer surface 510, 714 of the respective transparent polymeric
portion 506, 710. As such, in addition to being capable of
reflecting and distributing light emitted by the at least one light
source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708, particularly within the at
least one light chamber 526; 736, 738, since the metallic
reflecting surface 524; 730, 734 on the at least one light
reflector 522; 728, 732 is configured to be visible through the at
least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716, the metallic reflecting
surface 524; 730, 734 is advantageously capable of aesthetically
blending and/or substantially concealing the visual appearance of
the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 relative to
the surrounding chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 in which
the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720 is etched.
Additionally, as may be understood by one of ordinary skill, the at
least one light reflector 522; 728, 732 may be shaped and/or sized
in any suitable manner so as to effectively reflect and distribute
light emitted by the at least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704,
706, 708, and is not limited to the examples schematically shown
and described herein.
During operation, with the at least one light source 502, 504; 702,
704, 706, 708 electrically-connected to the vehicle, light emitted
by the at least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 is
reflected and distributed by the at least one light reflector 522;
728, 732, substantially within the at least one light chamber 526;
736, 738 and towards the transparent polymeric portion 506, 710, so
as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective
coating 512, 716 coated on the outer surface 510, 714 of the
transparent polymeric portion 506, 710 and the at least one etching
514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in the chromium-based reflective
coating 512, 716. In this manner, due to the at least one etching
514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 being substantially more permeable to
the light emitted by the at least one light source 502, 504; 702,
704, 706, 708 than the surrounding chromium-based reflective
coating 512, 716, as viewed from an environment surrounding the
outer portion 602, 802 of the vehicular bumper 600, 800 (e.g. as
schematically shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A), the light which passes
through the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in
the chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 illuminates brighter
than the light which passes through the surrounding chromium-based
reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the outer surface 510, 714 of
the transparent polymeric portion 506, 710. As such, multiple
shades and/or intensities of light may be viewed as being
simultaneously passed through the at least one etching 514, 516,
518; 718, 720, 722 in the chromium-based reflective coating 512,
716 and the surrounding chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716
in which the least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 is
etched. As a result, graphics, patterns, shaped outlines, indicia,
etc. which may be formed by the least one etching 514, 516, 518;
718, 720, 722 appear to be lit brighter, and may therefore be
visually highlighted with greater emphasis, than the surrounding
chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 which is simultaneously
lit as light passes therethrough. Additionally, the at least one
light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708, while at least unlit and
emitting no light, is concealed behind the chromium-based
reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the outer surface 510, 714 of
the transparent polymeric portion 506, 710. Furthermore, as
schematically shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B, the at least one light
source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708 is disposed away from the at
least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720, 722 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 such that the at least
one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708, whether unlit and
emitting no light or lit and emitting light, is not directly
visible through the at least one etching 514, 516, 518; 718, 720,
722 in the chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716. In this
manner, the at least one light source 502, 504; 702, 704, 706, 708
being concealed behind the transparent polymeric portion 506, 710
and the chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the
outer surface 510, 714 of the transparent polymeric portion 506,
710 may advantageously provide benefits such as, but not limited
to, a sleeker, more elegant design or appearance of the vehicular
bumper 600, 800.
In the particular non-limiting example of the lighting module 500
for the vehicular bumper 600 schematically shown in FIGS. 5A and
5B, the at least one etching 514, 516, 518 in the chromium-based
reflective coating 512 coated on the outer surface 510 of the
transparent polymeric portion 506 comprises a first etching 514
disposed within a first boundary area 528 of the transparent
polymeric portion 506, a second etching 516 disposed within a
second boundary area 530 of the transparent polymeric portion 506,
the second boundary area 530 disposed adjacent to the first
boundary area 528, and a third etching 518 disposed within a third
boundary area 532 of the transparent polymeric portion 506, the
third boundary area 532 disposed adjacent to the second boundary
area 530. Additionally, the at least one light source 502, 504
comprises a plurality of light sources 502, 504, the at least one
light reflector 522 comprises a plurality of light reflectors 522
and the at least one light chamber 526 comprises a plurality of
light chambers 526.
As FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating primarily an
enlarged sectional end view of the vehicular bumper 600
schematically shown in FIG. 5A, further details regarding the first
boundary area 528, the second boundary area 530, the third boundary
area 532, the plurality of light sources 502, 504, the plurality of
light reflectors 522 and the plurality of light chambers 526 will
now be discussed for further clarity. In the example schematically
shown in FIG. 5A, the first, second and third boundary areas 528,
530, 532 of the transparent polymeric portion 506 are each defined
by respective areas of the transparent polymeric portion 506
defined between upper and lower edges of the transparent polymeric
portion 506 and between respective longitudinal distances (i.e.
measured along the end-to-end direction L1 of the vehicular bumper
600) corresponding to the respective upwardly-projecting dashed
measurement lines shown in FIG. 5A. Additionally, while the
plurality of light sources 502, 504 are schematically shown in FIG.
5B as being two light sources 502, 504, the plurality of light
sources 502, 504 may comprise as many light sources 502, 504 that
are suitable and/or desired to be employed in the lighting module
500, and may be distributed along the lighting module 500 in at
least the end-to-end direction L1 of the vehicular bumper 600 (FIG.
5A), as may be understood by one of ordinary skill. Similarly,
while the plurality of light reflectors 522 and the plurality of
light chambers 526 are schematically shown in FIG. 5B as being an
individual light reflector 522 and an individual light chamber 526,
as many light reflectors 522 and light chambers 526 that are
suitable and/or desired to be employed in the lighting module 500
may be distributed along the lighting module 500 in at least the
end-to-end direction L1 of the vehicular bumper 600 (FIG. 5A), as
may be understood by one of ordinary skill. As a non-limiting
example, the lighting module 500 may further include a plurality of
opaque light chamber dividers (not shown) which may be generally
planar and may extend from the inner surface 508 of the transparent
polymeric portion 506 so as to be substantially perpendicular to
the inner surface 508 of the transparent polymeric portion 506.
Each of the plurality of opaque light chamber dividers (not shown)
may extend from the inner surface 508 of the transparent polymeric
portion 506 and be positioned within the interior area 604 of the
vehicular bumper 600 so as to correspond to the respective
upwardly-projecting dashed measurement lines shown in FIG. 5A to
physically divide each of the first, second and third boundary
areas 528, 530, 532 of the transparent polymeric portion 506 from
each other. Additionally, in this non-limiting example, each of the
plurality of light reflectors 522 may be arranged in between the
respective opaque light chamber dividers (not shown), and together
with the opaque light chamber dividers and the transparent
polymeric portion 506, may define the plurality of light chambers
526, which may be distributed along the lighting module 500 in at
least the end-to-end direction L1 of the vehicular bumper 600 (FIG.
5A). Likewise, the plurality of light sources 502, 504 may be
disposed at least partially within at least the plurality of light
chambers 526 along the lighting module 500 in at least the
end-to-end direction L1 of the vehicular bumper 600. In this
manner, the light emitted by the plurality of light sources 502,
504, within each of the plurality of light chambers 526, may be
separated and dedicated to the respective divided first, second and
third boundary areas 528, 530, 532 of the transparent polymeric
portion 506.
During operation, with the plurality of light sources 502, 504
electrically-connected to the vehicle: (i) light emitted by a first
number (e.g. a first individual light source or a first group of
light sources) of the plurality of light sources 502, 504 is a
first color of light emitted in response to a vehicle turn signal
light function being activated (e.g. by a driver's input), the
first color of light being reflected and distributed by a first
number (e.g. a first individual light reflector) of the plurality
of light reflectors 522, substantially within a first number (e.g.
a first individual light chamber) of the plurality of light
chambers 526 and towards the transparent polymeric portion 506, so
as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective
coating 512 disposed within the first boundary area 528 of the
transparent polymeric portion 506 and the first etching 514 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 512 disposed within the first
boundary area 528, (ii) light emitted by a second number (e.g. a
second individual light source or a second group of light sources)
of the plurality of light sources 502, 504 is a second color of
light emitted in response to a vehicle daytime running light
function being activated (e.g. by a control system of the vehicle),
the second color of light being reflected and distributed by a
second number (e.g. a second individual light reflector) of the
plurality of light reflectors 522, substantially within a second
number (e.g. a second individual light chamber) of the plurality of
light chambers 526 and towards the transparent polymeric portion
506, so as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based
reflective coating 512 disposed within the second boundary area 530
of the transparent polymeric portion 506 and the second etching 516
in the chromium-based reflective coating 512 disposed within the
second boundary area 530, and (iii) light emitted by a third number
(e.g. a third individual light source or a third group of light
sources) of the plurality of light sources 502, 504 is a third
color of light emitted in response to another vehicle turn signal
light function being activated (e.g. by the driver's input), the
third color of light being reflected and distributed by a third
number (e.g. a third individual light reflector) of the plurality
of light reflectors 522, substantially within a third number (e.g.
a third individual light chamber) of the plurality of light
chambers 526 and towards the transparent polymeric portion 506, so
as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective
coating 512 disposed within the third boundary area 532 of the
transparent polymeric portion 506 and the third etching 518 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 512 disposed within the third
boundary area 532. In this example, the first color of light is
amber light, the second color of light is white light or amber
light and the third color of light is amber light (which are often
employed for vehicle turn signal light and vehicle daytime running
light functions). However, as may be understood by one of ordinary
skill, the plurality of light sources 502, 504 may emit any desired
color or colors of light.
In the particular non-limiting example of the lighting module 700
for the vehicular bumper 800 schematically shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B, the at least one etching 718, 720, 722 in the chromium-based
reflective coating 716 coated on the outer surface 714 of the
transparent polymeric portion 710 comprises a first etching 718
disposed within a first subdivided area 746 of a first boundary
area 740 of the transparent polymeric portion 710, the first
etching 718 further disposed within a second boundary area 742 of
the transparent polymeric portion 710, the second boundary area 742
disposed adjacent to the first boundary area 740, the first etching
718 further disposed within a first subdivided area 750 of a third
boundary area 744 of the transparent polymeric portion 710, the
third boundary area 744 disposed adjacent to the second boundary
area 742, and the at least one etching 718, 720, 722 in the
chromium-based reflective coating 716 further comprises a second
etching 720 disposed within a second subdivided area 748 of the
first boundary area 740 and a third etching 722 disposed within a
second subdivided area 752 of the third boundary area 744.
Additionally, the at least one light source 702, 704, 706, 708
comprises a plurality of light sources 702, 704, 706, 708, the at
least one light reflector 728, 732 comprises a plurality of light
reflectors 728, 732 and the at least one light chamber 736, 738
comprises a plurality of light chambers 736, 738.
As FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating primarily an
enlarged sectional end view of the vehicular bumper 800
schematically shown in FIG. 6A, further details regarding the first
boundary area 740, the first and second subdivided areas 746, 748
of the first boundary area 740, the second boundary area 742, the
third boundary area 744, the first and second subdivided areas 750,
752 of the third boundary area 744, the plurality of light sources
702, 704, 706, 708, the plurality of light reflectors 728, 732 and
the plurality of light chambers 736, 738 will now be discussed for
further clarity. In the example schematically shown in FIG. 6A, the
first, second and third boundary areas 740, 742, 744 of the
transparent polymeric portion 710 are each defined by respective
areas of the transparent polymeric portion 710 defined between
upper and lower edges of the transparent polymeric portion 710 and
between respective longitudinal distances (i.e. measured along the
end-to-end direction L2 of the vehicular bumper 800) corresponding
to the respective upwardly-projecting dashed measurement lines
shown in FIG. 6A. Furthermore, the first subdivided area 746 of the
first boundary area 740 is defined substantially by the lower half
of the first boundary area 740 and the second subdivided area 748
of the first boundary area 740 is defined substantially by the
upper half of the first boundary area 740. Similarly, the first
subdivided area 750 of the third boundary area 744 is defined
substantially by the lower half of the third boundary area 744 and
the second subdivided area 752 of the third boundary area 744 is
defined substantially by the upper half of the third boundary area
744. Additionally, while the plurality of light sources 702, 704,
706, 708 are schematically shown in FIG. 6B as being four light
sources 702, 704, 706, 708, the plurality of light sources 702,
704, 706, 708 may comprise as many light sources 702, 704, 706, 708
that are suitable and/or desired to be employed in the lighting
module 700, and may be distributed along the lighting module 700 in
at least the end-to-end direction L2 of the vehicular bumper 800
(FIG. 6A), as may be understood by one of ordinary skill.
Similarly, while the plurality of light reflectors 728, 732 and the
plurality of light chambers 736, 738 are schematically shown in
FIG. 6B as being two light reflectors 728, 732 and two light
chambers 736, 738, as many light reflectors 728, 732 and light
chambers 736, 738 that are suitable and/or desired to be employed
in the lighting module 700 may be distributed along the lighting
module 700 in at least the end-to-end direction L2 of the vehicular
bumper 800 (FIG. 6A), as may be understood by one of ordinary
skill. As schematically shown in FIG. 6B, as a non-limiting
example, the lighting module 700 may further include one or more
opaque horizontally-extending light chamber dividers 705, which may
be a printed circuit board (PCB) 705 that carries multiple light
sources thereon, such as light sources 704, 706. In this example, a
plurality of horizontally-extending light chamber dividers 705 may
be arranged in the interior area 804 of the vehicular bumper 800 so
as to physically divide the first and second subdivided areas 746,
748 of the first boundary area 740 of the transparent polymeric
portion 710 and the first and second subdivided areas 750, 752 of
the third boundary area 744 of the transparent polymeric portion
710. Furthermore, in this example, the lighting module 700 may
further include a plurality of vertically-extending opaque light
chamber dividers (not shown) which may be generally planar and may
extend from the inner surface 712 of the transparent polymeric
portion 710 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the inner
surface 712 of the transparent polymeric portion 710. In this
example, each of the plurality of opaque light chamber dividers
(not shown) may extend from the inner surface 712 of the
transparent polymeric portion 710 and be respectively positioned
within the interior area 804 of the vehicular bumper 800 so as to
(i) perpendicularly abut or join with the plurality of
horizontally-extending light chamber dividers 705 and (ii)
correspond to the respective upwardly-projecting dashed measurement
lines shown in FIG. 6A to further physically divide at least the
second subdivided area 748 of the first boundary area 740 from the
second boundary area 742 and further physically divide at least the
second subdivided area 752 of the third boundary area 744 from the
second boundary area 742. Additionally, in this non-limiting
example, the plurality of light reflectors 728, 732 may be arranged
in between at least the respective opaque light chamber dividers
(not shown), and/or the respective horizontally-extending light
chamber dividers 705, and together with the transparent polymeric
portion 710, may define the plurality of light chambers 736, 738,
which may be distributed along the lighting module 700 in at least
the end-to-end direction L2 of the vehicular bumper 800 (FIG. 6A).
Likewise, the plurality of light sources 702, 704, 706, 708 may be
disposed at least partially within at least the plurality of
respective light chambers 736, 738 along the lighting module 700 in
at least the end-to-end direction L2 of the vehicular bumper 800.
In this manner, the light emitted by the plurality of light sources
702, 704, 706, 708, within each of the plurality of respective
light chambers 736, 738, may be separated and dedicated to the
respective first subdivided area 746 of the first boundary area
740, the second boundary area 742, the first subdivided area 750 of
the third boundary area 744, the second subdivided area 748 of the
first boundary area 740 and the second subdivided area 752 of the
third boundary area 744 of the transparent polymeric portion 710.
Additionally, as schematically shown in FIG. 6B, one or more
optional opaque light masks M may be included on the inner surface
712 of the transparent polymeric portion 710 to further define
(e.g. increase, decrease or shape) areas of the transparent
polymeric portion 710 which are to be permeable to light emitted by
at least one of the plurality of light sources 702, 704, 706,
708.
During operation, with the plurality of light sources 702, 704,
706, 708 electrically-connected to the vehicle: (i) light emitted
by a first number (e.g. a first individual light source or a first
group of light sources) of the plurality of light sources 702, 704,
706, 708 is a first color of light emitted in response to a vehicle
daytime running light function being activated (e.g. by a control
system of the vehicle), the first color of light being reflected
and distributed by a first number (e.g. a first individual light
reflector) of the plurality of light reflectors 728, 732,
substantially within a first number (e.g. a first individual light
chamber) of the plurality of light chambers 736, 738 and towards
the transparent polymeric portion 710, so as to simultaneously pass
through the chromium-based reflective coating 716 disposed within
the first subdivided area 746 of the first boundary area 740 of the
transparent polymeric portion 710, the chromium-based reflective
coating 716 disposed within the second boundary area 742 of the
transparent polymeric portion 710, the chromium-based reflective
coating 716 disposed within the first subdivided area 750 of the
third boundary area 744 of the transparent polymeric portion 710,
and the first etching 718 in the chromium-based reflective coating
716 disposed within the first subdivided area 746 of the first
boundary area 740, the second boundary area 742 and the first
subdivided area 750 of the third boundary area 744, (ii) light
emitted by a second number (e.g. a second individual light source
or a second group of light sources) of the plurality of light
sources 702, 704, 706, 708 is a second color of light emitted in
response to a vehicle turn signal light function being activated
(e.g. by a driver's input), the second color of light being
reflected and distributed by a second number (e.g. a second
individual light reflector) of the plurality of light reflectors
728, 732, substantially within a second number (e.g. a second
individual light chamber) of the plurality of light chambers 736,
738 and towards the transparent polymeric portion 710, so as to
simultaneously pass through the chromium-based reflective coating
716 disposed within the second subdivided area 748 of the first
boundary area 740 of the transparent polymeric portion 710 and the
second etching 720 in the chromium-based reflective coating 716
disposed within the second subdivided area 748 of the first
boundary area 740, and (iii) light emitted by a third number (e.g.
a third individual light source or a third group of light sources)
of the plurality of light sources 702, 704, 706, 708 is a third
color of light emitted in response to another vehicle turn signal
light function being activated (e.g. by the driver's input), the
third color of light being reflected and distributed by a third
number (e.g. a third individual light reflector) of the plurality
of light reflectors 728, 732, substantially within a third number
(e.g. a third individual light chamber) of the plurality of light
chambers 736, 738 and towards the transparent polymeric portion
710, so as to simultaneously pass through the chromium-based
reflective coating 716 disposed within the second subdivided area
752 of the third boundary area 744 of the transparent polymeric
portion 710 and the third etching 722 in the chromium-based
reflective coating 716 disposed within the second subdivided area
752 of the third boundary area 744. In this example, the first
color of light is amber light or white light, the second color of
light is amber light and the third color of light is amber light
(which are often employed for vehicle turn signal light and vehicle
daytime running light functions). However, as may be understood by
one of ordinary skill, the plurality of light sources 702, 704,
706, 708 may emit any desired color or colors of light.
Regarding at least the above-described vehicular components, the
transparent polymeric lenses 112, 308 of the respective headlamp
assembly 100 and tail lamp assembly 300 and the transparent
polymeric portions 506, 710 of the respective lighting modules 500,
700 for respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800 will now be further
described. As a non-limiting example, the transparent polymeric
lenses 112, 308 of the respective headlamp assembly 100 and tail
lamp assembly 300 and the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710
of the respective lighting modules 500, 700 for respective
vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may be formed from a polymeric material
selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polyester,
polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyimides,
polycarbonate, epoxy, phenolic, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylates, acetal and blends thereof.
Alternatively, as a non-limiting example, the transparent polymeric
lenses 112, 308 of the respective headlamp assembly 100 and tail
lamp assembly 300 and the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710
of the respective lighting modules 500, 700 for respective
vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may be formed from a polymeric material
selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate,
poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, poly diethylene glycol
bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene and
blends thereof. As a further non-limiting example, the transparent
polymeric lenses 112, 308 of the respective headlamp assembly 100
and tail lamp assembly 300 and the transparent polymeric portions
506, 710 of the respective lighting modules 500, 700 for respective
vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may be formed by a process such as
injection molding and/or thermoforming. Additionally, the
transparent polymeric lenses 112, 308 of the respective headlamp
assembly 100 and tail lamp assembly 300 and the transparent
polymeric portions 506, 710 of the respective lighting modules 500,
700 for respective vehicular bumpers 600, 800 may include a
pre-coated film in the form of a hardcoat, a silicon hardcoat, an
inorganic oxide, a thin metal film, or a combination of these
pre-coated films.
Additionally, regarding at least the above-described vehicular
components, the chromium-based reflective coating 118, 314 coated
on the respective headlamp assembly 100 and tail lamp assembly 300
and the chromium-based reflective coating 512, 716 coated on the
respective lighting modules 500, 700 for respective vehicular
bumpers 600, 800 will now be further described. The chromium-based
reflective coating 118, 314, 512, 716, which is configured to be at
least partially permeable to at least some light, is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 9,656,601 B2; U.S. Pat. No. 9,181,616 B2; U.S. Pat.
No. 9,176,256 B2; U.S. Pat. No. 9,819,343 B2, and United States
Patent Application Publication Number US 2017/0267179 A1, each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes. As a non-limiting example, the chromium-based reflective
coating 118, 314, 512, 716 is an alloy of chromium and a dopant
material. The dopant material may be selected from a group of
hexagonally close-packed transition metals. The group of
hexagonally close-packed transition metals may include at least one
of zirconium, titanium, cobalt, hafnium, rubidium, yttrium and
osmium. Alternatively, the group of hexagonally close-packed
transition metals may include at least one of zirconium, titanium
and cobalt. The alloy may have a crystal structure of a primary
body-centered cubic phase in coexistence with a secondary omega
hexagonally close-packed phase. The alloy may be a binary alloy of
the chromium and the dopant material. An atomic percentage of the
dopant material in the binary alloy may range from about 1.9 at. %
to about 5.8 at. %. For example, the dopant material may be
zirconium, and an atomic percentage of the zirconium in the binary
alloy may range from about 4.5 at. % to about 5.8 at. %.
Alternatively, the dopant material may be titanium, and an atomic
percentage of the titanium in the binary alloy may range from about
1.9 at. % to about 5.8 at. %. Alternatively, the dopant material
may be cobalt, and an atomic percentage of the cobalt in the binary
alloy may range from about 1.9 at. % to 5.7 at. %. Additionally, as
non-limiting examples, the chromium-based reflective coating 118,
314, 512, 716 may have a thickness of 200 nm or less, such as 200
nm, 100 nm, from 40 nm to 80 nm, from 50 nm to 70 nm, or about 60
nm. As such, as non-limiting examples, when coated on a polymeric
substrate (e.g. the transparent polymeric lenses 112, 308 of the
respective headlamp assembly 100 and tail lamp assembly 300 and/or
the transparent polymeric portions 506, 710 of the respective
lighting modules 500, 700 for respective vehicular bumpers 600,
800), the chromium-based reflective coating 118, 314, 512, 716 may
be configured to be at least partially permeable to light such that
about 6% to about 21% of the light emitted thereto (e.g. by light
sources 104, 106 of the headlamp assembly 100; by light sources
304, 305 of the tail lamp assembly 300; by light sources 502, 504
of the lighting module 500 for vehicular bumper 600; or by light
sources 702, 704, 706, 708 of the lighting module 700 for vehicular
bumper 800) is permitted to pass therethrough. As such, depending
on the desired brightness and/or intensity of the light which is to
pass through at least the chromium-based reflective coating 118,
314, 512, 716, light sources (e.g. light sources 104, 106 of the
headlamp assembly 100; light sources 304, 305 of the tail lamp
assembly 300; light sources 502, 504 of the lighting module 500 for
vehicular bumper 600; or light sources 702, 704, 706, 708 of the
lighting module 700 for vehicular bumper 800) which have sufficient
light output may ideally be selected and employed, as may be
understood by one of ordinary skill.
The disclosed headlamp assembly 100 and tail lamp assembly 300, as
shown and described herein, are therefore advantageously capable of
emitting sufficient amounts of light to effectively perform their
intended purpose, yet are capable of having an appearance which
aesthetically harmonizes and/or merges with other surrounding
vehicular components mounted to a vehicle, particularly vehicular
components which have a metallic reflective coating coated thereon
exhibiting a chrome or mirror-like surface finish.
Furthermore, the disclosed lighting modules 500, 700 for respective
vehicular bumpers 600, 800, as shown and described herein, are
advantageously capable of emitting sufficient amounts of light to
effectively perform their intended purpose, yet are capable of
providing substantially concealed lighting, especially while unlit
and emitting no light, to provide a vehicle with a sleeker, more
elegant appearance.
While one or more exemplary embodiments are described above, it is
not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of
the disclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are
words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood
that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure.
With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc.,
described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps
of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according
to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced
with the described steps performed in an order other than the order
described herein. It should be further understood that certain
steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be
added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In
other words, the descriptions of processes described above are
provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and
should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.
The features of the disclosure disclosed in this specification, the
claims and the drawings may be employed both individually and in
any possible combination for practicing the disclosure in its
various exemplary embodiments. In particular, all claim feature
combinations, irrespective of the claim dependencies, are covered
with this application.
As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for
example"/("e.g."), "for instance", "such as", and "like", and the
verbs "comprising", "having", "including", and their other verb
forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more
carriers or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended,
meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding
other, additional carriers or items. Other terms are to be
construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are
used in a context that requires a different interpretation.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 exemplary headlamp assembly 102 housing of headlamp assembly
104 light source/daytime running light unit 106 light
source/vehicle turn signal light unit 108 light source/high-beam
light unit 110 light source/low-beam light unit 112 transparent
polymeric lens 114 inner surface of transparent polymeric lens 116
outer surface of transparent polymeric lens 118 chromium-based
reflective coating 120 first area having chromium-based reflective
coating coated thereon 122 second area devoid of chromium-based
reflective coating 200 exemplary vehicle 202 front portion of
vehicle 204 metallic reflective coating, or the like coated on
vehicular component 206 vehicular component mounted on front
portion of vehicle 300 exemplary tail lamp assembly 302 housing of
tail lamp assembly 304 light source/vehicle reverse light unit 305
light source/vehicle turn signal light unit 306 light
source/vehicle tail and stop light unit 307 light source/vehicle
tail and stop light unit 308 transparent polymeric lens 310 inner
surface of transparent polymeric lens 312 outer surface of
transparent polymeric lens 314 chromium-based reflective coating
316 first area having chromium-based reflective coating coated
thereon 318 second area devoid of chromium-based reflective coating
400 another exemplary vehicle 402 rear portion of vehicle 404
metallic reflective coating, or the like coated on vehicular
component 406 vehicular component mounted on rear portion of
vehicle 500 exemplary lighting module for vehicular bumper 502
light source 504 light source 506 transparent polymeric portion 508
inner surface of transparent polymeric portion 510 outer surface of
transparent polymeric portion 512 chromium-based reflective coating
514 first etching 516 second etching 518 third etching 520 etched
gap 522 light reflector 524 metallic reflecting surface of light
reflector 526 light chamber 528 first boundary area of transparent
polymeric portion 530 second boundary area of transparent polymeric
portion 532 third boundary area of transparent polymeric portion
600 exemplary vehicular bumper 602 outer portion of vehicular
bumper 604 interior area of vehicular bumper L1 end-to-end
direction of vehicular bumper 700 another exemplary lighting module
for vehicular bumper 702 light source 704 light source 705
horizontally-extending light chamber divider/printed circuit board
(PCB) 706 light source 708 light source 710 transparent polymeric
portion 712 inner surface of transparent polymeric portion 714
outer surface of transparent polymeric portion 716 chromium-based
reflective coating 718 first etching 720 second etching 722 third
etching 724 etched gap 726 etched gap 728 light reflector 730
metallic reflecting surface of light reflector 732 light reflector
734 metallic reflecting surface of light reflector 736 light
chamber 738 light chamber 740 first boundary area of transparent
polymeric portion 742 second boundary area of transparent polymeric
portion 744 third boundary area of transparent polymeric portion
746 first subdivided area of first boundary area of transparent
polymeric portion 748 second subdivided area of first boundary area
of transparent polymeric portion 750 first subdivided area of third
boundary area of transparent polymeric portion 752 second
subdivided area of third boundary area of transparent polymeric
portion 800 another exemplary vehicular bumper 802 outer portion of
vehicular bumper 804 interior area of vehicular bumper L2
end-to-end direction of vehicular bumper M opaque light mask
* * * * *